Amanda Srichareon of Indiana University (Bloomington, IN) shares her compelling 16-year journey from sponsor billing representative to university bursar. Her story demonstrates how recognizing opportunities, embracing mentorship, and developing an authentic leadership style can shape a successful career in higher education.
Throughout the conversation, Srichareon reflects on the challenges of becoming a young leader and the vital shift from seeking to be liked to earning genuine respect. She credits strong female mentors, including Gabrielle Bovinzi and Brittany Hubbard, for shaping her professional development and encouraging her pursuit of an MBA.
Key Takeaways:
- Career progression from entry-level to leadership through recognizing opportunities
- Value of mentorship from experienced leaders in higher education
- Evolution from focusing on being liked to earning respect as a young leader
- Importance of networking within higher education, particularly with peer institutions
- Leadership philosophy centered on honesty, open communication, and collaboration
- Emphasis on embracing change and continuous process improvement
Srichareon’s leadership philosophy emphasizes the importance of building strong teams through collaboration and honest communication. Her advice to aspiring leaders centers on becoming a change agent: “Find a way to embrace change… I think really finding a way to embrace change and always changing and being a change agent is the best advice I could give to anybody.” She advocates for this approach even when resources are limited, highlighting the significance of maintaining professional networks across institutions.
Her ultimate vision of success? Building such a strong team that they continue to thrive long after her departure – a testament to her focus on developing others and creating sustainable leadership practices in higher education.
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